Nesting pregnant mothers

Nesting mums-to-be prioritise organizing the home rather than making it hygienically clean.

Over the last 100 years

It appears that the nesting instinct of mums-to-be has changed dramatically over the ages. A recent study has revealed that "ensuring that the home is organized and all projects completed is more of a priority than cleaning behaviours related to sanitation and bacteria avoidance"1 in the lead up to birth.

Dr. Lisa Ackerley2 advice:

“It is important to take extra precautions before bringing anewborn home to ensure maximum protection from the bacteria and viruses that exist around the home”

Changing Mats

Before changing a baby's nappy ensure that the mat is as free from bacteria as possible by using Dettol Anti-bacterial Cleansing Surface Wipes that kill 99.9% of bacteria. After each nappy change don't be tempted to use baby wipes to clean the mat - instead use an anti-bacterial wipe to remove harmful bacteria.

Cots

Ensure bedding is hygienically clean by using new Dettol Anti-bacterial Laundry Cleanser, an additive which is proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria on rinse cycle temperatures as low as 15°C. Available in Fresh Cotton and Soothing Lavender light fragrances, it is dermatologically tested and ideal for children's blankets, clothes, bedding, underwear and towels.

Surfaces

While a new baby won't necessarily touch surfaces, it is important to ensure that any surfaces where bottles are prepared are hygienically clean. Use Dettol Anti-bacterial Surface Cleanser Spray that kills 99.9% of bacteria on surfaces.

Hands

Washing hands before and after handling a baby and before preparing baby bottles is essential. Use Dettol with E45 Softness it kills 99.9% of bacteria, removes viruses and, with E45 softness, it also helps to protect your hands' natural moisture level.

1 Because of its prominence in popular discussions of nesting, we were surprised to find that cleaning behaviours related to sanitation and pathogen avoidance were not a fundamental feature of nesting for women; instead organization and project completion are prioritized more highly.

2 Dr Lisa Ackerley is a Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner and co-founder of Hygiene Audit Systems. She is also Visiting Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Salford and last year became Professorial Fellow at the Royal Society of Public Health. Her website www.thehygienedoctor.co.uk contains hygiene advice, articles and a personal blog.